DOCSLIB.ORG

Camp Brochure

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Camp Brochure Welcome to historic Camp Chesterfield! Spiritual The Western Hotel // Built in 1945, this hotel was home to the Indiana Association of Spiritualists designed after the typical “roadside inns” of the era. (IAOS), Camp Chesterfield has been a “spiritual Equipped with a period lobby and art-deco check-in Historic center of light” for generations of Hoosier counter, it has two floors featuring both single and twin Spiritualists. The IAOS was first established in 1886 rooms with baths; the basement houses a large and Camp Chesterfield and moved to its current home at Camp Chesterfield spacious women’s dormitory that allows for communal in 1890. accommodations, and a smaller men’s dormitory. This A Spiritual Center of Light hotel boasts being the first fire-proof building in the state Camp Chesterfield is historically significant, listed as a of Indiana. historic district on the National Park Service’s “National Register of Historic Places.” The non-profit group, “Friends of Camp Chesterfield Foundation,” is working on projects to preserve the unique architecture of the numerous structures at Camp Chesterfield, and to foster its historical significance and cultural heritage to a wider audience around Indiana and beyond. Today, Camp Chesterfield is a flourishing Spiritualist community equipped with a welcome center for visitors, two hotels, a guesthouse, an administrative building for WELCOME CENTER / ADMINISTRATION OFFICE its educational program, a full-service cafeteria, a Phone: (765) 378-0235 spacious cathedral, a modern bookstore and library, an Fax: (765) 378-7133 art gallery and museum, and a quaint little chapel in the E-mail: admin@campchesterfield.net woods. Web: www.campchesterfield.net ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER Trail of Religion // Along the shady grove in the center Phone: (765) 378-0235 of the grounds is a semi-circular memorial unique to Camp Chesterfield called the “Trail of Religion.” TREE OF LIFE - BOOKS & GIFTS Dedicated in 1943 to the world’s great religious leaders, Phone: (765) 378-0236 this display features the limestone busts of Lao-Tse, WESTERN HOTEL Buddha, Confucius, Vardhammana, Osiris, Zoroaster, Phone: (765) 378-0237 Abraham, Mohammed, Zeus and Jesus, the Christ. DIRECTIONS TO CAMP CHESTERFIELD: ‣ Indiana I-69 – (South from Fort Wayne, North from Indianapolis) to Exit 34 (Anderson/Muncie). ‣ Take SR 32 West. ‣ Travel West on SR 32 to the third traffic light (Washington Street). ‣ Turn North or right onto Washington St. ‣ The entrance to Camp Chesterfield is one block North on Washington St. in Chesterfield, Indiana INDIANA ASSOCIATION OF SPIRITUALISTS, INC. 50 Lincoln Drive, P.O. Box 132 Chesterfield, IN 46017 This brochure was made possible, in part, by a A Guide to Camp Chesterfield’s Historic “Historic Preservation Education Grant” sponsored by Indiana Humanities and Indiana Landmarks. Structures and Unique Religious Displays Dr. J. E. Hett Art Gallery and Museum // The Hett Art The Cathedral of the Woods // Over the years, Camp Maxon Cafeteria // The “Old Wooden Dining Hall” was Gallery and Museum was dedicated in 1955. This facility Chesterfield has witnessed the construction of three built in 1918, replacing an even older dining hall. This boasts a unique collection of Spiritualist-related primary structures in the same location where the new dining hall had brick ovens built behind the historical objects and artwork, including an outstanding current Cathedral is located. The original structure (circa structure to bake fresh bread and was used until the collection of original memorabilia from the Fox Sisters— 1891), the “Old Auditorium,” was initially a large tent with mid-1950s when the current Maxon Cafeteria was the founders of Spiritualism. As well, the museum a raised, wooden platform for message work. In 1903, it constructed. Today, the Maxon Cafeteria is a full- houses the largest collection in the world of original was replaced with a new building, which was called the service dining facility that also hosts social events, “precipitated spirit portraits” by the internationally “Second Auditorium.” This building stood until 1953 receptions, and large meetings. renowned “Bangs Sisters” who often summered at when it was razed to make way for the present Camp Chesterfield. structure, the “Cathedral of the Woods.” The Cathedral The Garden of Prayer and Sentinel Angel // Unique to was dedicated on June 26, 1954 and is used as a venue the state of Indiana, the “Garden of Prayer” is a prime for large gatherings. architectural example of a European-style grotto that was established as a site for spiritual meditation and religious devotion. Consisting of two rooms, it is equipped with altars and statues of Jesus Christ where devotees pray and light devotion candles. In 1940, the Sentinel Angel was placed outside the entrance of the Garden of Prayer as a memorial to the Mack Family. The Sunflower Hotel // This hotel was built in 1914 to help keep pace with the ever increasing number of Labyrinth // The labyrinth at Camp Chesterfield is people who needed lodging. The Sunflower Hotel was American Indian Memorial // Located on “Inspiration located on the former site of the “Ladies Bazaar” which considered to be a “modern” hotel, equipped with 70 Hill,” next to the Trail of Religion is a memorial erected stood from the early days of Camp Chesterfield’s rooms. Not in active use today, there are plans to to honor Native Americans. The statue features a life- formation, but was razed after a fire and many years of restore The Sunflower with the intention of returning it to sized figure of an American Indian atop an eight foot harsh weather conditions had taken its toll on this its original glory. pedestal, palms upturned, face looking toward the historic building. The public is welcome to walk the source of all light and life. Erected in 1940, the Native labyrinth anytime. American statue is a tribute to the deep connection Spiritualism has with Native American peoples. The Toad Stools // Camp Chesterfield began as an actual “camp” where visitors would come to have readings and attend message services in the open air. Eventually, the area called the “toad stools” was made to allow mediums to give messages to the many people who would visit the grounds during high season (June- The Chapel in the Woods // September). An early version of a “psychic fair,” this Regularly utilized for weekly historically and architecturally significant area served a church and message services, very important purpose in the history of the IAOS and the Chapel is at the heart of Camp Chesterfield. Camp Chesterfield, hosting many important events that take place on the grounds throughout the year. From weddings to funerals, ordinations to dedications, The Totem Pole // The majestic totem pole located on lectures to church and “Inspiration Hill” was originally commissioned in 1961 message services, “The Chapel and formally dedicated in 1962. The totem pole in the Woods” has been an represents the story of an eagle that discovered a integral part of Camp salmon. Reading the totem pole from the top to its Chesterfield’s religious and base, depicts an eagle, a salmon, a whale, a chief, and social life for many generations. finally, a bear..
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Issue-05-9.Pdf
    THE COMMITTEE FOR THE SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION of Claims of the Paranormal AT THE CENTER FOR INQUIRY-INTERNATIONAL (ADJACENT TO THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO| • AN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION Paul Kurtz, Chairman; professor emeritus of philosophy, State University of New York at Buffalo Barry Karr, Executive Director Joe Nickell, Senior Research Fellow Massimo Polidoro, Research Fellow Richard Wiseman, Research Fellow Lee Nisbet, Special Projects Director FELLOWS James E. Alcock,* psychologist York Univ., Toronto Saul Green. PhD, biochemist president of ZOL James E- Oberg, science writer Jerry Andrus, magician and inventor, Albany, Consultants, New York. NY Irmgard Oepen, professor of medicine (retired). Oregon Susan Haack, Cooper Senior Scholar in Arts Marburg, Germany Marcia Angell, M.D., former editor-in-chief, New and Sciences, prof, of philosophy, University Loren Pankratz. psychologist. Oregon Health England Journal of Medicine of Miami Sciences Univ. Robert A. Baker, psychologist. Univ. of Kentucky C. E. M. Hansel, psychologist. Univ. of Wales John Paulos, mathematician. Temple Univ. Stephen Barrett, M.D., psychiatrist, author, Al Hibbs, scientist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory Steven Pinker, cognitive scientist. MIT consumer advocate, Allentown, Pa. Douglas Hofstadter, professor of human Massimo Polidoro. science writer, author, execu­ Barry Beyerstein,* biopsychologist. Simon Fraser understanding and cognitive science, tive director CICAP, Italy Univ., Vancouver, B.C.. Canada Indiana Univ. Milton Rosenberg, psychologist Univ. of Chicago Irving Biederman, psychologist, Univ. of Southern Gerald Holton, Mallinckrodt Professor of Physics Wallace Sampson. M.D.. clinical professor of medi­ California and professor of history of science, Harvard Univ. cine. Stanford Univ.. editor, Scientific Review of Susan Blackmore, Visiting Lecturer, Univ. of the Ray Hyman,' psychologist.
    [Show full text]
  • Docent Program for the Hett Art Gallery and Museum Historic Camp Chesterfield | Indiana Association of Spiritualists Compiled by Rev
    Volunteer & Docent Training Manual Docent Program What is a docent? Docents are dedicated volunteers whose primary responsibility is to inform, instruct, and interpret the art collections and objects contained in the Hett Art Gallery and Museum for our visitors. Docents provide group learning experiences in the form of museum tours, demonstrations, or instruction in special interest areas that pertain to the museum’s collections and exhibits and history of Spiritualism. They guide tours, give talks, serve at special events, and answer visitors’ questions regarding our museum, campgrounds, historical displays, and gardens. Docents may be considered to be “ambassadors” not only for the Hett Art Gallery Museum and historic Camp Chesterfield, but also for the IAOS and Spiritualism at large. The Hett Art Gallery and Museum Docent Program provides the following services: School Group Tours Tours for school groups are conducted on a prescheduled basis and are designed to supplement the classroom curriculum or accommodate a specific study interest. Special Interest Tours Special interest tours, demonstrations, and hands-on activity areas offer an in-depth look at an exhibition, a collection, or a discipline. These must be prescheduled. Popular Highlights Tours Highlights tours are generally available to the public on a walk-in basis when the museum is open to the public and these provide an overview of some of the more outstanding, popular and significant museum pieces in our exhibits. Outreach Programs Outreach programs – currently in development – will "take the Hett Art Gallery and Museum and the significance of Spiritualism" to interested organizations, such as schools and community groups. The program will include an introductory presentation for an upcoming museum visit, or a specially designed and unique educational experience, for a variety of community-based groups (e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • National Register of Historic Place
    NPS Form 10-900 OMBNo. 10024-0018 (Oct. 1990) RECEIVED 2280 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service 62002 National Register of Historic Place» RECEIVED REGISTERIOFffe HISTORIC MACES Registration Form ^flQNAlj PARK SERVICE JUN | 8 ;-v ; This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations f r indi idual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (Nationa itin 16A).--Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If an item does not apply ;umented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, *hH icirhr;ategories from tne instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property historic name Chesterfield Spiritualist Camp District other names/site number _________ ________________ 2. Location street & number 2QQ-5QQ blocks of Eastern, Parkview, Western Drives___________ N/A D not for publication city or town Chesterfield_______________________________ _N/A__n vicinity state Indiana_____ code IN___ county Madison______ code 095 zip code 46017 3. State/Federal Agency Certification I As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, I hereby certify that this gj nomination I Q request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of i Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property | gg meets n does not meet tne National Register criteria.
    [Show full text]
  • John Fetzer Trust About Spiritualism, Spiritualist Camps, Camp Chesterfield, and Physical Phenomena
    Date: 2016 Author: Rev. Prof. Todd Leonard Category: Commissioned Essays A Paper Commissioned by the John Fetzer Trust about Spiritualism, Spiritualist Camps, Camp Chesterfield, and Physical Phenomena Rev. Prof. Todd Jay Leonard Prologue 1) A History of the Advent of Modern Spiritualism as a Movement and Religion 2) A Brief History of Circuit Riders and Camp Meetings 3) The Beginnings of the Spiritualist Movement in the United States 4) Spiritualism as a Religion 5) Historic Camp Chesterfield 6) The Early Years 7) The Growing Years 8) The Later Years: The 1960s and 1970s at Camp Chesterfield 9) Rev. Lillian Dee Johnson 10) Rev. Charlie Swann 11) Camp Chesterfield Today John Fetzer Trust 1 April 25, 2016 Epilogue A Paper Commissioned by the John Fetzer Trust about Spiritualism, Spiritualist Camps, Camp Chesterfield, and Physical Phenomena Rev. Prof. Todd Jay Leonard Prologue Spanning a period of four decades, from 1934 through 1974, John Fetzer (1901-1991), a pioneer in broadcast radio in America and the owner of the Detroit Tigers, had more than a passing interest in spirituality, the paranormal, and the religion of Spiritualism. He frequently visited historic Camp Chesterfield, located outside of Anderson, Indiana, to receive spiritual guidance and spirit messages from loved ones and guides via a medium. “His interest in parapsychology and spirituality began at an early age, and he claimed to have had several spiritual experiences that influenced his later life. While spending a year bedridden with complications of influenza, he made this commitment, ‘If I am permitted to live, I will devote my life to the spiritual work of the Creator.’ For the next 73 years he did.” (Kalamazoo Public Library, 2016) This paper offers a detailed outline of the history of Spiritualism, circuit riders/camp meetings, physical phenomena, and Camp Chesterfield, referencing specifically the time period when John Fetzer actively attended Camp Chesterfield and sought the guidance and advice from mediums.
    [Show full text]
  • John Edward: Hustling the Bereaved
    John Edward: Hustling the Bereaved Investigative Files, Joe Nickell Volume 25.6, November / December 2001 Today’s spiritualism traces its roots to 1848 and the schoolgirl antics of the Fox sisters, Maggie and Katie. They seemed to communicate with the ghost of a murdered peddler by means of mysterious rapping sounds. Four decades later the foxy sisters confessed how they had produced the noises by trickery (Nickell 1994), but meanwhile others discovered they too could be “mediums” (those who supposedly communicate with the dead). The “spiritualism” craze spread across the United States, Europe, and beyond. In darkened séance rooms, lecture halls, and theaters, various “spirit” phenomena occurred. The Davenport Brothers conjured up spirit entities to play musical instruments while the two mediums were, apparently, securely tied in a special “spirit cabinet.” Unfortunately the Davenports were exposed many times, once by a local printer. He visited their spook show and volunteered as part of an audience committee to help secure the two mediums. He took that opportunity to secretly place some printer’s ink on the neck of a violin, and after the séance one of the duo had his shoulder smeared with the black ink (Nickell 1999). The great magician Harry Houdini (1874-1926) crusaded against phony spiritualists, seeking out elderly mediums who taught him the tricks of the trade. For example, while sitters touched hands around the séance table, mediums had clever ways of gaining the use of one hand. (One method was to slowly move the hands close together so that the fingers of one could be substituted for those of the other.) This allowed the production of special effects, such as causing a tin trumpet to appear to be levitating.
    [Show full text]
  • Joan M. Travis Spiritualism Collection
    McLean County Museum of History Joan M. Travis Spiritualism Collection Processed by Gretchen Monti Summer 2019 Collection Information VOLUME OF COLLECTION: 1 Box COLLECTION DATES: 1940s-2018 RESTRICTIONS: None REPRODUCTION RIGHTS: Permission to reproduce or publish material in this collection must be obtained in writing from the McLean County Museum of History ALTERNATIVE FORMATS: None OTHER FINDING AIDS: LOCATION: Archives NOTES: Brief History “Modern Spiritualism,” called such by the organizations that advocate, support and practice it, began in Hydesville, New York, in 1848. According to the U. S.-based National Spiritualist Association of Churches, “Spiritualism is the Science, Philosophy and Religion of continuous life, based up the demonstrated fact of communication, by means of mediumship, with those who live in the Spirit World.” The association’s 21st century publications deem it a worldwide institution. James Thomas Crumbaugh and his wife Elizabeth J. Wiley lived in LeRoy, McLean County, Illinois, throughout the last half of the 19th Century. They became interested in Spiritualism via the minister of the LeRoy Universalist Church. The couple left this world in the first decade of the 20th century, and their wills expressed their desire to have a church and library as a living memorial. The J. T. and E. J. Crumbaugh Spiritualist Church and Library was dedicated on January 1, 1926 and continues to operate in 2019. Scope The Joan M. Travis Spiritualism Collection consists of items about the concept of spiritualism and some of its organizations in the United States and England. Pamphlets, meeting programs, photographs, newspaper articles, periodicals and prints and photocopies of digital sources comprise the collection.
    [Show full text]
  • Psychic Observer 105 Further Notes on Historic Ideas of Human Radiations – Carlos Alvarado 119 Horace Leaf – Paul J
    PSYPIONEER Founded by Leslie Price Editor Paul J. Gaunt Volume 4, No 5; May 2008 Available as an Electronic Newsletter Highlights of this issue: Silver Belle Doubts – Leslie Price 101 Theosophists go to the polls – Leslie Price 102 Now we are Four – Leslie Price 103 Fraud uncovered at Chesterfield Spiritualist Camp – Psychic Observer 105 Further notes on historic ideas of human radiations – Carlos Alvarado 119 Horace Leaf – Paul J. Gaunt 127 Experiences of an old Australian Spiritualist – Horace Leaf 128 Books for sale 130 How to obtain this Newsletter by email 131 ========================================= SILVER BELLE DOUBTS _______________ There are doubts about the 1953 Silver Belle series of materialisation photographs, which show the medium Ethel Post-Parrish, and a materialised Red Indian girl at Camp Silver Belle, which Ethel founded at Ephrata, Pennsylvania. An older camp, Chesterfield in Anderson, Indiana, which was for long managed by Ethel’s cousin, Mabel Riffle, is one reason for this. In 1960, with the prior approval of all concerned, Tom O’Neill and Dr Andrija Puharich made an infra red film of the medium Edith Stillwell (with Mabel as cabinet attendant). The resulting articles in ”Psychic Observer”, which are reproduced later in this issue, showed that the materialised figures all entered through a side door, and had the faces and build of other mediums at the camp. In 1976, a once prominent medium at Chesterfield and in Florida, Lamar Keene published a detailed confession of the methods he used to produce both mental and physical phenomena. (Both Keene and his former partner have since died.) In his book “The Psychic Mafia”, the chapter “Secrets of the Séance” explains how the trumpet and ectoplasmic phenomena were produced by them.
    [Show full text]
  • Skeptic's Guide to the Paranormal
    Skeptic's Guide Text 28/6/04 4:06 PM Page i The Skeptic’s Guide To The PARANORMAL Skeptic's Guide Text 28/6/04 4:06 PM Page ii Lynne Kelly has been teaching science and mathematics for over 30 years. She holds degrees in education and engineer- ing and delights in debunking claims of the paranormal. She also delights in all things arachnid and is famous for her spider jewellery. Skeptic's Guide Text 28/6/04 4:06 PM Page iii The Skeptic’s Guide To The PARANORMAL Lynne Kelly Skeptic's Guide Text 28/6/04 4:06 PM Page iv First published in 2004 Copyright © Lynne Kelly, 2004 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. The Australian Copyright Act 1968 (the Act) allows a maximum of one chapter or 10 per cent of this book, whichever is the greater, to be photocopied by any educational institution for its educational purposes provided that the educational institution (or body that administers it) has given a remuneration notice to Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) under the Act. Allen & Unwin 83 Alexander Street Crows Nest NSW 2065 Australia Phone: (61 2) 8425 0100 Fax: (61 2) 9906 2218 Email: [email protected] Web: www.allenandunwin.com National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry: Kelly Lynne. The skeptic’s guide to the paranormal. ISBN 1 74114 059 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Investigating Camp Chesterfield
    INVESTIGATIVE FILES JOE NICKELL Undercover Among the Spirits: Investigating Camp Chesterfield amp Chesterfield is a notorious erfield, which opened in 1891. Even processed the researchers saw that the spiritualist enclave of Chester- today, spiritualist friends of mine roll ghosts were actually confederates dressed Cfield, Indiana. Dubbed "the their eyes accusatorially whenever Ches- in luminous gauze, some of whom were Coney Island of spiritualism," it has terfield's name is mentioned, and they recognizable as Chesterfield residents. been the target of many exposes, notably are quick to point out that the camp is They had not materialized and demateri- a book by a confessed fraudulent not chartered by the National Spiritual- alized but rather came and went through medium published in 1976. A quarter ist Association of Churches. The intro- a secret door that led to an adjacent century later I decided to see if the old duction to an official history of apartment (Keene 1976, 40; Chris- deceptions were still being practiced at Chesterfield (Chesterfield Lives 1986, 6), topher 1970, 174). One of the re- the camp; naturally my visit was both admits it is surprising the camp has sur- searchers, himself a devout spiritualist, unannounced and undercover. vived, given its troubled past: was devastated by the evidence and In fact, in its 100 years of recorded railed against "the frauds, fakes and fan- The Background history, Camp Chesterfield has been tasies of the Chesterfield Spiritualist Modern spiritualism began in 1848 "killed off" more dian once! There camp!" (O'Neill I960) with the schoolgirl pranks of Maggie have been cries of "fraud" and "fake" An even more devastating expose (and these were some of the nicer and Katie Fox at Hydesville, New York.
    [Show full text]